Small Changes, Big Hydration: Ways to Drink More Water

Circular reusable water bottle

Many people across England and beyond think they are tired, when in fact often they are just dehydrated. In a country that tries to sell you energy drinks and cans of cola, simple filtered tap water is often the best drink of choice, most or all of the time!

If you ‘don’t like water’, here are some simple tips to drink more of it!

The ‘first thing’ habit

Keep a large glass of water by your bedside each night. Then if you have not had any through the night, drink the entire glass immediately on waking, before drinking a cup of tea or coffee. This will rehydrate your body after sleep, and immediately make you feel better.

Fizzy water is better than no water!

If you simply ‘don’t like water’, then go for fizzy water. There are many good sparkling waters on sale, some made with wonky fruit. Or you can even buy machiness to make your own fizzy water.

Before recycling cans, rinse then pop ring-pulls over holes. Then steps on cans to ‘pinch’ inner rims together, to avoid wildlife getting trapped.

Never give fizzy (or flavoured) water to pets, it could cause bloat.

Eat hydrating foods

Not just watermelon or bananas (which are also mostly water), eating an organic apple or any fresh fruit is hydrating, as before cooking, they are full of water. From fresh organic strawberries to celery or cucumber slices. You’ll also benefit from vitamins and mineral salts.

So when you’re making a vegan cheese sandwich, put some chopped celery sticks or cucumber slices in there too!

Caffeine compensation rule!

For every cup of tea or coffee you drink, drink another glass of water. You could of course switch to herbal teas if you like them as they don’t dehydrate, but check medication (and avoid certain ones if pregnant/nursing, read the labels).

Same applies for wine or beer!

Likewise, if you drink a glass of wine or beer, have another glass of water. If drinking wine, mix it up with soda water for a spritzer, so you’re at least getting some water into you!

Dr Vegan Hyrate+ Supplement

Dr Vegan Hydrate+ (lemon) is also in orange/pineapple flavour. Ideal for people who need to quickly rehydrate after exercise, you get a free bottle with your first purchase, then refill sachets after that. Free from sugar or artificial sweeteners, these contain electrolytes with vitamins B12, C and amino acids.

Check with GP before taking supplements if pregnant/nursing or on other supplements or medication. Sodium and calcium in electrolytes should not be taken in excess. This could lead to higher blood pressure and strain on the kidneys. Always follow directions for recommended daily intake.

How much water should we drink?

The average adult needs around 1.2 litres per day (more in hot weather or after vomiting or diarrhoea). That’s around six 200ml glasses. So drink two glasses when you wake up, have two more before lunch, and two more before dinner. Add more per glass of wine or beer, or per tea, coffee or cola.

Wash and rinse pet bowls daily. Avoid fizzy water or guzzling water after runs or car trips (to prevent bloat). Don’t let pets drink from puddles (due to bacteria, oil, antifreeze). For outdoor pets, ensure drip-feed bottles are not blocked or frozen.